Crime reduction partnerships
Setting and Using Targets
By Crime Concern
An important task for Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) is to set and monitor targets for tackling crime and disorder problems. Target setting often raises questions such as:
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What should targets cover?
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How are targets best expressed?
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At what level should the target be pitched?
This paper seeks to answer these and other questions in a step-by-step guide to setting and using targets. While partnerships may want to consider targets for a range of issues including for example, community involvement, the focus here is on targets for cutting crime and disorder. The Audit Commission has published helpful general guidance on target setting.
The Audit Commission defines a target as ‘a commitment made in advance to achieve a stated level of service’. There are many good reasons for setting targets (in addition to targets being a Government requirement).
The benefits include:
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helping partners to clarify what they are aiming for
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enabling those providing services to be clear about expectations
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providing markers for checking if plans are on track, or need adjusting
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helping partners, service providers, service users and the wider public to influence priorities and assess achievement
The paper draws on case studies and offers pointers to further information.
It has been prepared by Rosie Chadwick, Crime Concern. It has been produced as part of the Partnership Support Programme (PSP), delivered by Crime Concern and Nacro in the government regions and Wales, and funded by the Home Office.
Getting a copy
Setting and Using Targets - Crime Concern 
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ABOUT NACRO AND CRIME CONCERN
Nacro and Crime Concern both have extensive experience in working with local partnerships to tackle problems of crime and disorder. They are at the forefront of developing community safety practice and translating new approaches into practical measures.
In particular they:
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offer partnerships help, advice and training in auditing, consultation, strategy development and implementation
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provide monitoring and evaluation services
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promote best practice
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manage a range of crime reduction projects, many of which focus on tackling youth offending and youth victimisation through restorative justice, mentoring and youth inclusion approaches
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provide implementation support for other major national programmes, including the Home Office Reducing Burglary Initiative.
Last update: 02/09/03